Kenya News Inside Health

NAIROBI — United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih has called for renewed global commitment to refugee protection and development, warning that funding shortfalls threaten to reverse hard-won gains in Kenya’s progressive refugee model.

On his first official visit to Kenya as High Commissioner, Salih toured Kakuma municipality, where more than 300,000 refugees, primarily from South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, live alongside host communities in one of the world’s most complex displacement environments.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Salih praised Kenya’s decades-long leadership in hosting refugees and the government’s decision to champion policies that allow displaced people to work, access services and increasingly support themselves.

“Despite scarce resources, Kenya continues to show remarkable solidarity for people in need through smart policies that foster self-reliance and economic growth,” Salih said.
“Kakuma is a place of transformation and innovation… we must urgently prioritize solutions that allow people to live in dignity and contribute to society.”

Kenya’s Shirika Plan: A Model for Refugee Self-Reliance

At the heart of Salih’s message was the Shirika Plan, Kenya’s flagship framework for moving from humanitarian assistance toward self-reliance, inclusion and peaceful co-existence between refugees and host communities.

Under the Plan, refugees can access:

• legal identity documents

• work permits

• banking and mobile money services

• public education

• universal health coverage

This approach positions Kenya as one of the most progressive refugee-hosting countries in the world, a model many other nations are now studying.

Funding Crisis Threatens Critical Services

Kenya currently hosts over 800,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, but support systems are under intense strain. Last year, less than 25% of UNHCR’s needs-based budget for Kenya was funded, forcing deep cuts to essential services.

These shortages have resulted in:

• reduced access to health care

• declining water and sanitation services

• strained education systems

• overcrowded reception centres

• reductions in child protection and services for survivors of gender-based violence

Salih warned that without urgent investment, the progress made toward refugee inclusion could stall or even reverse.

“The funding crisis is threatening lives,” he said.
“I am urging development actors, financial institutions, donors and the private sector to step up support for the Shirika Plan. These inclusive policies hold immense promise for transforming futures.”

High-Level Engagement in Nairobi

During his Nairobi engagements, Salih met with President William Ruto and senior government officials. He thanked Kenya for its historic role in welcoming displaced people and reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to partnering with the government on durable solutions.

Ruto’s administration has been widely recognized for championing refugee inclusion, a departure from restrictive policies seen in many regions.

A Call to the Global Community

Salih’s visit underscores a pivotal moment for refugee response in Kenya. As humanitarian budgets tighten worldwide, countries like Kenya, which shoulder the responsibility of hosting large displaced populations require sustained international solidarity.

For Salih, the message is clear:
Kenya has shown that progressive refugee policies are possible and effective. Now, the world must match that ambition with the resources needed to protect lives and build futures.

By Inside Health Desk / 12. January 2026/ Urge- DeveWire

UNHCR Chief Calls for Urgent Global Support to Protect Refugee Gains in Kenya

Reporting By Urge- Inside Health Desk.

Based on official Statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees/UNHCR Kenya.

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